Morris Endowment

In late 2003 it was announced that YALSA was one of the beneficiaries of William C. (Bill) Morris’ estate. According to the terms of the agreement with Mr. Morris, YALSA’s "Board of Directors may use such portion of the net income and net appreciation of the Fund as it shall from time to time determine for the purpose of funding programs, publications, events or awards in promotion of young adult literature." Bill Morris’ gift to YALSA was $400,000. According to the terms of the agreement with Mr. Morris, the fund is restricted for fifty years.

About Bill Morris

William C. Morris was an influential innovator in the publishing world and an advocate for marketing books for children and young adults. Bill Morris left an impressive mark on the field of children’s and young adult literature. He was beloved in the publishing field and the library profession for his generosity and marvelous enthusiasm for promoting literature for children and teens. He passed away in 2003 at the age of seventy-four.

Goals

Interest from the Morris Endowment will be used by YALSA to help future generations of librarians explore the vibrant world of young adult literature so that they may be able to connect their teen patrons to young adult literature in meaningful and innovative ways.

Use of Funds

Since 2003 YALSA has used the interest from the Morris Endowment to:

establish the Morris Award, which recognizes a first-time author writing for excellence in writing for young adults

establish the Odyssey Award, which recognizes the year’s best audiobook production for youth

Your Support

Your gift to the Morris Endowment will enable YALSA to help future generations of librarians connect teens to young adult literature. Your gift is tax deductible. ALA/YALSA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and tax payers may deduct contributions representing up to 50 percent of the donor's adjusted gross income if the individual itemizes on her/his tax returns. Contributions are deductible for the year in which they are actually paid or delivered. ALA and YALSA respects your privacy and will honor your wishes. If you wish to remain anonymous, please indicate that when you send in your gift.

Make your tax-deductible donation in either of the following ways:

Donate by credit card at the ALA Development Office's secure website. (Fill in the amount you would like to donate in the YALSA box of the "Give to a Division" section).

Send a contribution by mail, using the printable mail-in form (PDF). Complete the form and mail it back with your donation to: Friends of YALSA, 50 East Huron, Chicago, IL 60611.

Donor Recognition

Donors will receive a letter from ALA/YALSA recognizing your generous donation for your tax records, a special listing in YALSA E-News, YALSA's e-newsletter, a special listing on the YALSA website, a Morris Endowment conference badge ribbon, reserved seating at the YALSA Membership Meeting, Edwards Luncheon (for ticketholders) and Printz Reception (for ticketholders) at ALA’s Annual Conference and acknowledgment at the annual Membership Meeting. Individuals who contribute to the Morris Endowment via planned giving, will also become members of ALA’s Legacy Society.

For further information, please contact YALSA’s Executive Director at 1.800.545.2433 x4391 or byoke@ala.org.